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Causes
The direct cause of nystagmus is instability in the motor system that controls the eyes. There are a number of different causes of this instability, including:
- Heredity
- Poor development of eye control that may be caused by an eye disease or visual problem during infancy
- Albinism (lack of skin pigmentation)
- Eye disorders, such as optic nerve degeneration or severe astigmatism or nearsightedness
- Diseases of the body, such as Meniere’s disease (which involves balance problems), multiple sclerosis , or stroke
- Injury to the head or involving the body’s motor system
- Use of certain medications, such as lithium or antiseizure medications
- Alcohol or drug use
- Inner ear problems, such as infections or irritation
However, in some cases, the cause of nystagmus is unknown.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing nystagmus:
- A family member with nystagmus
- Albinism
- Eye disorders such as optic nerve degeneration, severe astigmatism, or nearsightedness
- Diseases of the body such as Meniere’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke
- Injury to the head or involving the body’s motor system
- Use of certain medications, such as lithium or antiseizure medications
- Alcohol or drug use
- Infection of the inner ear